Living in a Violent World
As usual, we will be honest and vulnerable. I personally wanted to write something sooner but it took me a couple of weeks to get to a point of recovery. Earlier this month, while traveling throughout New York City, in broad day light, I was surprised by a very hard punch in the face. I wasn’t robbed, just assaulted. I fell backward in a sitting position and just thought to myself, “What just happened?” In a bit of shock, I squinted and watched to perpetrator vanish swiftly around the corner.
Shortly before that, I was praying with and for a close friend while sitting on a park bench. I don’t believe there was any connection but it goes to show that the enemy would love to disrupt things. As for my emotions, I wasn’t sure who I was more upset at, the young troubled man who struck me or the several people who just walked by without checking to see if I was okay.
In all honesty, for the last two weeks, I struggled more in my mind with thoughts of how, if given the chance, would’ve retaliated in anger even if in self-protection. I vividly and methodically imagined chasing the man and banging his head on a street pole, slamming him to the ground, and eventually breaking his fingers so he learns a lesson never to do that again. I know, right!? How could I think such a thing? Like I said, I struggled. But with the Lord’s help, I asked for His forgiveness and grace to forgive. Now almost fully recovered, I learned something very valuable. Justice has been met in me. Christ took on the assaults of the world so I don’t have to retaliate in the way I was taught to growing up in NYC. But more so my mind needed to be renewed. Besides, I’m very thankful this didn’t happen to one of my sons who were waiting for me a couple of blocks away. And, life continues. Although, I may need to get a scan of my upper jaw and brain to see if there is long-term damage.
On a Heavier Note
I don’t want to get into where I stand politically. That’s not why I’m posting on this issue. I only want to encourage us as Christ followers to pray earnestly for our very violent and hurting world. There’s no denying it. Wars and rumors of wars are an ongoing, unavoidable issue. We love God’s people and hate the violence that is happening—on both sides. Our hearts go out to all who are surrounded and engulfed in this ongoing war. We pray for peace, healing, restoration, reconciliation, and the revelation of Jesus Christ in the hearts of everyone directly effected in Gaza. During this heavy time we are remembering the words of our Savior:
Matthew 5:43-45
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
Luke 6:27-28
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Lord help us.
